Evo-Stik Division One South: Bideford beat Fleet but Barnstaple so close at Thatcham

Bideford beat Fleet Town 2-1 in the Evo-Stik Division One South on Saturday. Picture: Andy Keeble

Kevin Squire lit up the Sports Ground on Saturday to help give Bideford a vital three points against Fleet Town in the Evo-Stik Division One South.

Bideford beat Fleet Town 2-1 in the Evo-Stik Division One South on Saturday. Picture: Andy Keeble

The striker tamed a bouncing ball 30 yards out and struck a bullish top corner effort past the stranded Brendon Norris, and to loud roars from the home support.

The goal gave the Robins a 2-0 lead after Toby Down headed his first goal for the club from Matt Bye's corner.

Bideford deserved their two-goal lead after a lively opening half hour that saw a number of chances fall to the hosts.

Ryan Turner was denied by Norris on the one-on-one and Squire looked odds on to make it 3-0 when he was given time and space to pick his spot, only for Norris to read the low shot at the near post.

Bideford beat Fleet Town 2-1 in the Evo-Stik Division One South on Saturday. Picture: Andy Keeble

Ben Woods was busy on the right and there was little to occupy Steve Oliver in the Bideford goal - so little in fact, that the Robins keeper made hard work gathering a ball and just about avoiding what could have been an embarrassing fumble.

Norris continued to be the busier of the two keepers after the break, saving from Turner, Squire and Wood.

Fleet are still searching for their first league win of the season but despite the one-way traffic, they pounced on a mistake by James Mayne to pull a goal back through Meshach Williams on 59 minutes.

The goal gave the visitors hope but despite creating a number of chances, Bideford were able keep their shape and hold firm for the 2-1 win.

Bideford beat Fleet Town 2-1 in the Evo-Stik Division One South on Saturday. Picture: Andy Keeble

Bideford are away to Larkhall Athletic on Saturday

Barnstaple Town

Barnstaple narrowly missed out on their first points of the season with a 3-2 defeat at Thatcham Town on Saturday.

Bideford beat Fleet Town 2-1 in the Evo-Stik Division One South on Saturday. Picture: Andy Keeble

Jack Jenkins scored twice for Town, who were chasing the game for much of the 90 minutes.

Jenkins snuffed out George Jeacok's tenth-minute opening goal on 23 minutes but Jeacock gave his side the lead again five minutes before the break.

He completed a hat-trick to make it 3-1 two minutes after the re-start and although Jenkins kept Barnstaple in the game with his second on 54 minutes, this season's first Division One South points remain elusive.

Barnstaple are at home to Slimbridge this Saturday.

Bideford beat Fleet Town 2-1 in the Evo-Stik Division One South on Saturday. Picture: Andy Keeble

Bideford Ladies FC

Bideford Ladies FC started their second season in the South West Women's League West Division in style with a comfortable 4-0 win away to Bude Ladies.

After a few early scares, the defence coped well with Bude's direct approach and played some good free flowing football throughout.

Bideford beat Fleet Town 2-1 in the Evo-Stik Division One South on Saturday. Picture: Andy Keeble

There was a debut start for Under-18 Hannah Neave but it was the experienced Beth Ellis who continued her goal scoring from last season with an emphatic shot after 23 minutes that gave the keeper no chance.

After the break, Bideford continued to press and a quick interchange of passes led to Beth Ellis rounding a defender and goalkeeper to slot home number two.

Rohana Little made it 3-0 with a spectacular shot from distance that dipped under the crossbar, and it was Caz Parsons who broke free towards the end to round the goalkeeper and make it four.

About North Devon Gazette

First published in 1856 as the Bideford Gazette, the North Devon Gazette is the free newspaper and website for the region, covering a vast area from Hartland in the west to Lynton in the east and to South Molton and Holsworthy in the south.